Cebu Pacific in talks with Boeing for 737 fleet

by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2023 | Business

Cebu Pacific in talks with Boeing for 737 fleet

MANILA  -Budget carrier Cebu Pacific— the Philippines’ largest airline by market share and fleet size—is in talks for the possible acquisition of narrow body airliners from US planemaker Boeing to augment its jet aircraft fleet that has been the exclusive domain of Airbus for the better part of two decades.

More importantly, the Inquirer learned that the Gokongwei family-controlled firm is eyeing to establish an operations hub in the New Manila International Airport currently being built by conglomerate San Miguel Corp. in Bulacan as part of the airline’s expansion plans.

“Following disappointments regarding Airbus’ delays and (jet engine manufacturer) Pratt & Whitney’s (supply chain issue) issues, Cebu Pacific’s executive leadership team met with Boeing in Seattle to explore the B737 fleet,” an airline executive told the Inquirer, referring to the popular 737 aircraft line that competes directly with the A320 line of its European rival.

The high-ranking executives of the Gokongwei family-controlled airline who visited Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Washington were its president Xander Lao, chief executive Michael Szucs, chief financial officer Mark Cezar, chief marketing officer Candice Iyog and vice president for customer service operations Lei Apostol.

On Tuesday, a ranking Cebu Pacific official told the Inquirer that the company plans to take advantage of the upcoming Bulacan airport—whose first phase may be operating by 2026, according to San Miguel —as its next operating hub.

“We are looking at a process for our narrowbody refleeting based on building another large base in Bulacan,” the official said. “So it will be a big enough base for us to operate Airbus from Naia (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) and either Boeing or Airbus for Bulacan depending on who gives us best deal.”

The airline’s shift in stance from being an exclusive operator of Airbus jets (augmented by twin-engined turboprops from French-Italian platemaker ATR) to starting exploratory talks with Boeing marks a significant shift in strategy for the airline that started operations in 1996 with second hand DC-9 aircraft.

Cebu Pacific operated three Boeing 757 narrowbody airliners for its international flights from 2001, but retired them in 2006. Since then, it has operated exclusively Airbus aircraft, saying that it realizes significant savings by using planes made only by one manufacturer.

ompany insiders said, however, that recent frustrations with Airbus and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney — which the airline blamed for flight cancellations and aircraft groundings as a result of these firms’ supply chain issues — made it rethink this strategy.

At a certain point, the cost of being tied to single manufacturers starts to outweigh the savings, one executive explained.

Forresta: Villar City’s luxurious green oasis

by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business

Forresta: Villar City’s luxurious green oasis

Nestled within the expansive 3,500-hectare Villar City is Forresta, a visionary modern residential community that promises an exquisite fusion of urban sophistication and tranquil natural surroundings fit for the affluent few. This massive 119-hectare community in Alabang, the first ultra-luxury project being developed by Brittany Corp., presents a complete mix of components that will ensure a distinct, sophisticated, and vibrant lifestyle for its future residents.

Opulent oasis

Amid a million lush trees and landscaped pocket gardens, this “city in the forest” will be home to premium grade, high-rise office towers in what will soon be a dynamic central business district (CBD), upscale residential condominiums, ultra-exclusive residential lots and leisure hubs—all cradled in an opulent oasis you can readily access right outside your doorstep.

Add to that the thoughtfully designed eco-smart homes and residential buildings, energy-efficient lighting solutions within the community, availability of a seamless internet fiber connection, and a 24/7 secure and fully electric perimeter fence with RFID subdivision gates.

The most discerning investors of Vista Land & Lifescapes’ luxury residential arm have thus sought to quickly claim a piece of this beautiful exclusive oasis as this premier themed community is poised to ensure elegance, safety, convenience and exclusivity. It offered limited lots, with sizes ranging from 857 sqm to 1,461 sqm, equivalent to only five lots per hectare, thus making it a truly prominent address reserved for the well-heeled.

Redefining eco-luxury

A remarkable aspect of Forresta’s allure would be the abundance of verdant landscapes.

Fifty percent of the community’s expanse will be devoted to green spaces, including the enchanting Forresta Fields and Forresta Park. Beyond aesthetics, this greenery-rich community will also contribute to enhanced air quality and promote healthier lifestyles. The lushness of green spaces here can foster a sense of community while providing a serene environment that can help soothe senses and encourage outdoor activities.

Elevating lifestyles

Beyond its verdant allure, Forresta will further elevate your lifestyle through its array of modern amenities and sustainable infrastructure. With its thoughtfully planned spaces for recreation, relaxation, and socialization, residents can expect a holistic lifestyle catering to diverse tastes, needs and preferences.

This vast promising community will likewise place its future residents in an exceptional location, enabling them to find the right balance between tranquil and dynamic living.

Forresta readily connects you to Metro Manila and key locales in South Luzon through major road networks including Daang Hari Road, Daang Reyna Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway (MCX). Strategically located transport hubs and the availability of public transport will further ensure easy access to educational centers, health institutions, golf and country clubs, and lifestyle hubs like Evia Lifestyle Center.

Thriving nexus of growth

Most notable to point out is the fact that Forresta will rise within Villar City, the new center of gravity of Metro Manila.

Spanning 15 towns and cities in Metro Manila and Cavite province, Villar City is envisioned to become Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, a thriving nexus where economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities will converge.

As the ambitious legacy project of self-made tycoon Manuel B. Villar Jr., Villar City will be a massive masterplanned integrated development composed of 15 satellite cities which are seen to complement one another to provide residents, entrepreneurs, and companies with a conducive environment, be it for growing careers, for raising families, or for expanding businesses. These planned cities will include a modern CBD, a Tech Valley, a university town, and a premier lifestyle hub, among others, set amid verdant landscapes with some 1 million trees.

An address of prestige, privilege

To be in Forresta thus means having the privilege to be part of a visionary estate that is Villar City—an emerging multifaceted, multifunctional development that will be in a class of its own. To be here also means having a prestigious address that will allow you to enjoy the multitude of benefits that come only with locating in such a modern, thriving, upscale city.

Without a doubt, Forresta delivers a privilege that’s second to none. With all the plans and developments underway, your best bet is here in Forresta.

Touted as Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, the 3,500-hectare Villar City is an emerging masterplanned development comprising 15 satellite cities, all poised to cater to the multifaceted lifestyles of today’s urban dweller. For more information on Forresta and Brittany’s collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube